DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.)

March 22, 2017

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Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2013 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Related Terms

  • 16-Hydroxy-9-oxo-10E,12E,14E-octadecatrienoic acid, alpha-cellulose, alpha-tocopherol, apigenin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, apigenin kaempferol, ash, a-tocopherol, balm, balm mint, bee balm, beta-caryophyllene, beta-caryophyllene oxide, beta-citronellol, beta-geraniol, beta-pinene, Bienenfang (German), Bienenkraut (German), Bienensaug (German), blue balm, caffeic acids, caftaric acid, carotenoids, chlorogenic acid, chlorophyll, Citra, citragon (French), citral a (geranial), citral b (neral), citraria (Spanish), citroenmelisse (Dutch), citromfű (Hungarian), citron melisse (Danish), citronella (Italian), citronellae, citronellal, citronelle (French), citronellol, Citronenmelisse (German), citronmeliss (Swedish), citronmilisse (Danish), common balm, corchorifatty acid B, cure-all, Cyracos®, Darmgichtkraut (German), dehydroabietane, delphinidin, diterpene hydrocarbons, dropsy plant, Englische Brennessel (German), English balm, erva-cidreira (Portuguese - Brazil), ethric oil, eugenylglycoside, ferulic acid, flavonoids, folia Citronellae, folia Melissaecitratae, Frauenkraut (German), garden balm, Garten-Melisse (German), gastrovegetalin, geraniol, geranyl acetate, germacrene, Hasenohr (German), heart's delight, hemicellulose, Herzbrot (German), Herzkraut (German), Herztrost (German), hexadecanoic acid, hjärtansfröjd (Swedish), hjertensfryd (Danish, Norwegian), honey plant, Honigblum (German), honungsblomma (Swedish), hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, Immenchrut (German), Ivenblatt (German), Kneipp® Melisse Pflanzensaft, Labiatae/Lamiaceae (family), lemon melissa, lemon-balm, lignin, Limonikraut (German), linalool, lomaherpan, luteolin, luteolin 3'-O-beta-D-glucuronopyranoside, luteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, meduňka lékařská (Czech), méhfu (Hungarian), melisa (Polish, Spanish), melisa lekarska (Polish), melissa, Melissa officinalis, Melissa officinalis L., Melissa oleum, melissa vera (Italian), Melissae, Melissae folium, melisse (Danish, French, German, Norwegian), mélisse (French), mélisse officinale (French), Melissenblatt (German), Melissengeist (German), melissört (Swedish), meliza (Spanish), methyl citronellate, metrilic acid, mézontófu (Hungarian), modergräs (Swedish), moderurt (Norwegian), monoterpene glycosides, Mutterkraut (German), Mutterwurz (German), navadna melisa (Slovenian), nerol, Nervenkräutel (German), neryl acetate, nitrogen, oleanolic acid, ocimene, orvosi citromfű (Hungarian), p-coumaric acid, pentadecanal, Pfaffenkraut (German), polyphenolic compounds, proline, protein, quercetin, Riechnessel (German), rosmarinic acid, rutin, sabinene, Salatkräutle (German), sesquiterpenes, sidrunmeliss (Estonian), sitronmelisse (Norwegian), sitruunamelissa (Finnish), Spanischer Salbei (German), squalene, succinic acid, sweet balm, sweet mary, tannins, terpin-4-ol, thé de France (French), toronjil (Spanish), trace metals, trans-caryophyllene, triterpenes, triterpenoids, ursolic acid, valverde boutons de fievre crème (French), volatile oils, Wanzenkraut (German), Zahnwehkraut (German), zeaxanthin, Zitronella (German), Zitronenkraut (German), Zitronenmelisse (German), Zitronen-Melisse (German).

  • Combination products (examples): Abdomilon®, Abdomilon® N, Abnormal Savda Munziq®, Absimed, Agua del Carmen, Aktiv Nerven- und Schlaftee, Anevrase, Aponatura Beruhigungs®, Aponatura Einschlaf®, Aranidorm-S, Arterosan Plus, Avedorm®, Baldracin®, Baldrian-Elixier, Baldrian-Krautertonikum, Baldriparan, Baldriparan Beruhigungs, Baldriparan stark N, Balsamo Branco, Befelka-Tinktur, Beruhigungstee, Biocarde, Bio-Garten Tee zur Beruhigung, Bio-Garten Tropfen zur Beruhigung, Camomila, Canad, Caramelos Agua del Carmen, Cardalept, Cardiaforce, Carming®, ColiMil®, Colominthe, Cough Drops, Cura, Digestol Sanatorium, Doppelherz Melissengeist, Doppelherz Tonikum, Dormarist, Dormiplant, Dragées pour la détente nerveuse, Elixir Bonjean, Emmenoiasi, Especies Calmante, Euvegal Entspannungs- und Einschlafdragees, Euvegal Forte®, Euvegal N, Euviterin, Fargestium, Fluxoten, Gastregan, Gastrol S®, Gastrosan, Gutnacht, Heumann Beruhigungstee Tenerval N, Herz- und Kreislauftonikum Bioflora®, Hyperiforce comp, Iberogast, JuDorm, JuNeuron S, Klosterfrau Melissengeist, Kneipp Krauter Taschenkur Nerven und Schlaf N, Kneipp Nerven- und Schlaf-Tee, Kneipp Nerven- und Schlaf-Tee N, Krauterdoktor Beruhigungstropfen, Krauterdoktor Entspannungs- und Einschlaftropfen, Krauterdoktor Magen-Darmtropfen, Krauterdoktor Nerven-Tonikum, Krauterdoktor Rosmarin-Wein, Krauterhaus Mag Kottas Babytee, Krauterhaus Mag Kottas Magen- und Darmtee, Krauterhaus Mag Kottas Nerven- und Schlaftee, Krauterhaus Mag Kottas Wechseltee, Krautertee Nr 1, Krautertee Nr 9, Krautertee Nr 16, Krautertee Nr 141, Krautertee Nr 201, Krautertee Nr 209, Lindofluid N, Lo-701, Luvased-Tropfen N, Mag Doskar's Magentonikum, Mag Doskar's Nerventonikum, Mag Kottas Beruhigungstee, Mag Kottas Krauterexpress-Nerven-Schlaf-Tee, Mag Kottas Magen-Darmtee, Mag Kottas Nerven-Beruhigungstee, Mag Kottas Schlaftee, Mag Kottas Tee fur stillende Mutter, Mag Kottas Wechseltee, Mariazeller, Mediflor Tisane Calmante Troubles du Sommeil No 14, Mediflor Tisane Circulation du Sang No 12, Mediflor Tisane Pectorale d'Alsace, Melissa comp., Melissa Specie Composta, Melissa Tonic, Melissengeist, Melissin, Nervendragees, Nerven-Tee Stada N, Nervifloran, Nervosana, Nyrene, Ob-X, Oxacant N, Oxacant-sedativ, Pascosedon, Passedan, Passelyt, Passiflora Composta, Phytoberidin, Phytogran, Phytonoctu, Plantival, Plantival novo, Presselin Blahungs K 4 N, Pronervon Phyto, Relax, Resolutivo Regium, RubieSed, Salus Nerven-Schlaf-Tee Nr. 22, Salusan, Santane D5, Santane N9, Schlaf- und Nerventee, Sedacur, Seda-Grandelat, Sedantol, Seda-Plantina®, Sedariston, Sedaselect N, Sedasyx, Sedatol, Sedatruw S, Sedinfant N, Seracalm, Sidroga Herz-Kreislauf-Tee, Sidroga Kindertee, Sidroga Magen-Darm-Tee, Sidroga Nerven- und Schlaftee, Sirmiosta Nervenelixier N, Sol Schoum, Songha, Songha Night, Soporin, Species nervinae, St Radegunder Beruhigungs- und Einschlaftee, St Radegunder Fiebertee, St Radegunder Herz-Kreislauf-Tonikum, St Radegunder Herz-Kreislaufunterstutzender Tee, St Radegunder Magenberuhigungstee, St Radegunder Nerventee, St Radegunder Nerven-Tonikum, St Radegunder Reizmildernder Magentee, St Radegunder Rosmarin-Wein, Stullmaton, STW 5, STW 5-II (bitter candy tuft, matricaria flower, peppermint leaves, caraway, licorice root, and lemon balm), STW-5-S (matricaria flower, peppermint leaves, caraway, licorice root, and lemon balm), SX Valeriana comp, Synpharma InstantNerventee, Teekanne Magen- und Darmtee, Teekanne Schlaf- und Nerventee, The Brioni, The Chambard-Tee, The Franklin, Tisana Arnaldi, Tisana Cisbey, Tisana Kelemata, Tisane antiflatulente pour les enfants, Tisane calmante pour les enfants, Tisane des familles, Tisane favorisant l'allaitement, Tisane Grande Chartreuse, Tisane pour le coeur et la circulation, Tisane pour le foie, Tisane pour le sommeil et les nerfs, Tisane pour les enfants, Tisane pour l'estomac, Tisane purgative, Tisane relaxante, Tisane Touraine, Vagostabyl, Valerina Day Time, Valerina Night-Time, Valverde Dragées pour la détente, Wechseltee, Ze185.

Background

  • Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which also includes mint, sage, and sweet marjoram. It is believed to have sedative, anti-gas, fever-reducing, antibacterial, spasm-reducing, blood pressure-lowering, memory-enhancing, menstruation-inducing, and thyroid-related effects, and it is thought by some to be an herbal "cure-all." Research suggests that lemon balm may contain high levels of antioxidants.

  • Research appears to support the use of lemon balm applied directly to the skin to manage herpes infection symptoms. Lemon balm has also been studied for a number of medical conditions, including anxiety, stomach lining inflammation, and irritable bowel syndrome. While some preliminary findings have indicated promise, more studies are needed before conclusions can be made.

Scientific Evidence

Uses

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Grade*

Herpes simplex virus infections (symptoms)

Research suggests that lemon balm applied to the skin may effectively treat symptoms of herpes simplex infections. Lomaherpan®, a 1% dried lemon balm extract cream, has been used in most studies. While results are promising, further research is required to confirm the effects of lemon balm.

B

Agitation in dementia

Preliminary research found that lemon balm aromatherapy may help reduce stress and agitation in people with severe dementia. Although findings are promising, more research is needed to better understand these effects.

C

Anxiety

Preliminary research supports the use of lemon balm for anxiety. Although results are positive, more research is needed before conclusions can be made.

C

Cognitive performance

Some studies found that lemon balm extract may affect mood and cognition. More research is needed to better assess the effectiveness of this treatment.

C

Colic

A combination treatment containing lemon balm has been studied in the treatment of infant colic (excessive crying in babies). Preliminary research suggests that it may be an effective treatment for this condition. Although results are promising, more studies are needed.

C

Colitis

There is limited evidence suggesting that a combination herbal treatment that includes lemon balm may be effective in the treatment of colitis (intestinal swelling). However, more research is needed.

C

Depression

There is a lack of evidence to show that a combination lemon balm treatment may be effective in treating depression. More research in this area is needed.

C

Dyspepsia

Preliminary evidence suggests that combination products containing lemon balm may reduce dyspepsia (upset stomach). However, more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn.

C

Irritable bowel syndrome

Lemon balm-containing treatments have been used for stomach pain, discomfort, and bloating. While some results are positive, more studies looking at the effects of lemon balm alone are needed to determine its effectiveness.

C

Psychological disorders

There is limited evidence to support the use of lemon balm in treating psychological disorders. More high-quality trials are needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

C

Restlessness (in children)

There is limited evidence supporting the use of lemon balm to treat restlessness in children. More research is needed before conclusions can be made.

C

Sleep quality

There is not enough high-quality evidence supporting the use of lemon balm as a sleep aid. Most studies have used lemon balm in combination products. More research is needed to determine the potential sedative effects of lemon balm alone.

C

Somatoform disorders

Preliminary research suggests that an herbal combination product containing lemon balm may reduce anxiety and depression associated with somatoform disorders (fear or belief of being ill). More research is needed before any conclusions can be made.

C

*Key to grades:A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

  • Alzheimer's disease, analgesic (pain relief), angiogenesis (blood vessel growth), anorexia, antibacterial, antifungal, antihistamine (antiallergy), anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic (reduces muscle spasms), antivenom, antiviral, aromatic, atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, blood disorders, blood vessel dilation, bone density, cancer, chronic bronchitis (lung inflammation), chronic fatigue syndrome, coughs, dementia, diabetes, digestive aid, emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation), fever reduction, flu, food preservation, gas, Graves' disease (overactive thyroid), headaches, heart disease, high blood pressure, HIV, hormone regulation, immune system regulation, insect bites, insecticide, irregular menstrual cycles, lipid lowering effects, memory enhancement, migraine, mood, motion sickness, nausea, neuralgia (nerve pain and damage), neurasthenia (fatigue and weakness), parasites, radiation protection, sedative (sleep aid), shingles (chicken pox virus), skin irritations, stomach disorders, sweat stimulation, tension headache, thyroid conditions, toothache, typhus (bacterial disease), vomiting, wound healing.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

  • According to traditional use, a common dose of lemon balm is one cup of tea taken by mouth several times daily as needed. Some evidence suggests using 1.5-4.5 grams of lemon balm herb in tea by mouth several times daily. A dose of 2-6 milliliters (1:5 in 45% alcohol) three times daily has been taken by mouth. A dose of 8-10 grams of lemon balm leaves has been taken by mouth daily. Single doses of 300 milligrams, 600 milligrams, and 900 milligrams of lemon balm extract by mouth have been studied.

  • To treat agitation in people with dementia, 60 drops of lemon balm extract have been taken by mouth daily. A lotion containing lemon balm essential oils has been applied directly to the hands and face twice daily. Lemon balm aromatherapy has been used for two weeks.

  • To treat anxiety and improve sleep quality, the product Cyracos® has been taken by mouth for 15 days. Information on dosing is unavailable at this time.

  • To improve cognitive performance in people with Alzheimer's disease, 60 drops of lemon balm extract has been taken by mouth daily. Doses of 600, 1,000, and 1,600 milligrams of dried leaf capsules (Pharmacon) have been taken by mouth at seven-day intervals. Two tablets (each containing 95 milligrams of Valeriana officinalis, 15 milligrams of Humulus lupulus, and 85 milligrams of lemon balm) have been taken by mouth three times daily for two weeks.

  • To treat symptoms of herpes simplex virus infections, a cream containing lemon balm extract has been applied directly to the skin up to four times daily for 5-10 days. A tea containing lemon balm (prepared by steeping 2-3 grams of lemon balm leaf in 150 milliliters of boiling water for 5-10 minutes and then straining) has been applied to herpes lesions with a cotton ball several times daily.

Children (under 18 years old)

  • To treat anxiety in children aged 6-7 years, a single dose of 3 milligrams of lemon balm extract per kilogram or 6 milligrams of lemon balm extract per kilogram has been taken by mouth.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

  • Avoid in people who have a known allergy or sensitivity to lemon balm, any of its parts, or other plants of the Melissa genus. Allergic reactions have been reported, including burning sensation, contact dermatitis, prickling sensation, and skin irritation and reddening.

Side Effects and Warnings

  • Lemon balm is likely safe when applied to the skin or taken by mouth in recommended doses (up to 30 days) in otherwise healthy adults and when consumed in amounts normally found in foods. Lemon balm is well tolerated when taken by mouth for up to eight weeks. Research found minimal side effects associated with applying lemon balm to the skin for up to 10 days. Lemon balm has been given Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the United States, with a maximum level of 0.5% in baked goods.

  • Lemon balm may cause side effects such as anal pain, anxiety, bone problems, chest pain, diarrhea, headache, heart palpitations, increased body weight, increased feeling of being unwell, increased herpes symptoms, muscle relaxation, nausea, reduced alertness, sleep problems, sweating, and tiredness.

  • Lemon balm may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in people with diabetes or low blood sugar, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

  • Lemon balm may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people with low blood pressure or in those taking drugs or herbs and supplements that lower blood pressure.

  • Drowsiness or sedation may occur. Use caution if taking central nervous system (CNS) depressants or sedatives. Lemon balm may increase the sedative effects of alcohol.

  • Use cautiously in people who have low cholesterol or who are taking cholesterol-lowering agents, including statins.

  • Use cautiously in people who have autoimmune disorders or who are taking agents that may affect immune system function.

  • Use cautiously in people taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

  • Use cautiously in people who have glaucoma, as lemon balm may increase eye pressure.

  • Use cautiously in people who have heart conditions, as lemon balm may reduce heart rate.

  • Use cautiously in people with thyroid disorders, as lemon balm may interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

  • Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of safety data and a possible connection between lemon balm and lead contamination.

  • Avoid in people who have a known allergy or sensitivity to lemon balm, any of its parts, or other plants of the Melissa genus. Allergic reactions have been reported, including burning sensation, contact dermatitis, prickling sensation, and skin irritation and reddening.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

  • Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of safety data and a possible connection between lemon balm and lead contamination.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

  • Lemon balm may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by alcohol and some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

  • Lemon balm may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

  • Lemon balm may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.

  • Lemon balm may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

  • Lemon balm may also interact with agents that may affect blood vessel width, agents that may affect GABA transaminase, agents that may affect the heart, agents that may affect the immune system, agents that may affect the nervous system, agents that may block nerve impulses, agents that may block new blood vessel growth, agents that may prevent muscle spasms, agents that may treat skin disorders, agents that may treat stomach problems, Alzheimer's agents, antianxiety agents, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidepressants, antifungals, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, antiobesity agents, antiprotozoal agents, antiulcer and gastric acid-reducing agents, antivirals, barbiturates, bone formation agents, cholesterol-lowering agents, glaucoma agents, hormonal agents, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and thyroid agents.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

  • Lemon balm may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements.

  • Lemon balm may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

  • Lemon balm may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure.

  • Lemon balm may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the cytochrome P450 system.

  • Lemon balm may also interact with Alzheimer's herbs and supplements, antianxiety herbs and supplements, antibacterials, anticancer herbs and supplements, antidepressants, antifungals, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements, antiobesity herbs and supplements, antioxidants, antiprotozoal herbs and supplements, antiulcer and gastric acid-reducing herbs and supplements, antivirals, bone formation herbs and supplements, cholesterol-lowering herbs and supplements, glaucoma herbs and supplements, herbs and supplements that may affect blood vessel width, herbs and supplements that may affect GABA transaminase, herbs and supplements that may affect the heart, herbs and supplements that may affect the immune system, herbs and supplements that may affect the nervous system, herbs and supplements that may affect the thyroid, herbs and supplements that may block nerve impulses, herbs and supplements that may block new blood vessel growth, herbs and supplements that may prevent muscle spasms, herbs and supplements that may treat skin disorders, herbs and supplements that may treat stomach disorders, hormonal herbs and supplements, insect repellants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Author Information

  • This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

  1. Atanassova M and Georgieva S. Comparative polyphenol composition and antioxidant capacity of the Bulgarian plants (dry herbs). Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2012;9(9):1514-1523.

  2. Budzynska A, Wieckowska-Szakiel M, Sadowska B, et al. Antibiofilm activity of selected plant essential oils and their major components. Pol.J.Microbiol. 2011;60(1):35-41. View Abstract

  3. Burns A, Perry E, Holmes C, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial of Melissa officinalis oil and donepezil for the treatment of agitation in Alzheimer's disease. Dement.Geriatr.Cogn Disord. 2011;31(2):158-164. View Abstract

  4. Hong Y, Kim MY, and Yoon M. The anti-angiogenic herbal extracts Ob-X from Morus alba, Melissa officinalis, and Artemisia capillaris suppresses adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Pharm.Biol. 2011;49(8):775-783. View Abstract

  5. Hussain AI, Farooq A, Nigam PS, et al, A. Antibacterial activity of some Lamiaceae essential oils using resazurin as an indicator of cell growth. LWT - Food Science and Technology 2012;44(4):1199-1206.

  6. Kim S, Shin MH, Hossain MA, et al. Metabolite profiling of sucrose effect on the metabolism of Melissa officinalis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Anal.Bioanal.Chem. 2011;399(10):3519-3528. View Abstract

  7. Komes D, Belscak-Cvitanovic A, Horzic D, et al. Phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of some traditionally used medicinal plants affected by the extraction time and hydrolysis. Phytochem.Anal. 2011;22(2):172-180. View Abstract

  8. Obulesu M and Rao DM. Effect of plant extracts on Alzheimer's disease: An insight into therapeutic avenues. J.Neurosci.Rural.Pract. 2011;2(1):56-61. View Abstract

  9. Oh C, Price J, Brindley MA, et al. Inhibition of HIV-1 infection by aqueous extracts of Prunella vulgaris L. Virol.J. 2011;8:188. View Abstract

  10. Pardo-Aldave K, Diaz-Pizan ME, Villegas LF, et al. Child behaviour modulation during ?rst dental visit after administration of lemon balm. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012;19(1):66-170.

  11. Rasmussen P. Lemon balm--Melissa officinalis; also known as lemon balm, bee balm, garden balm, Melissa, melissengeist. J.Prim.Health Care 2011;3(2):165-166. View Abstract

  12. Sansone F, Mencherini T, Picerno P, et al. Maltodextrin/pectin microparticles by spray drying as carrier for nutraceutical extracts. Journal of Food Engineering 2011;105(3):468-476.

  13. Sharafzadeh S, Khosh-Khui M, and Javidnia K. Aroma profile of leaf and stem of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) grown under greenhouse conditions. Advances in Environmental Biology 2011;5(4):547-550.

  14. Weitzel C and Petersen M. Cloning and characterisation of rosmarinic acid synthase from Melissa officinalis L. Phytochemistry 2011;72(7):572-578. View Abstract

  15. Zeraatpishe A, Oryan S, Bagheri MH, et al. Effects of Melissa officinalis L. on oxidative status and DNA damage in subjects exposed to long-term low-dose ionizing radiation. Toxicol.Ind.Health 2011;27(3):205-212. View Abstract

Copyright © 2013 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Updated:  

March 22, 2017